Suspension system

ABSTRACT

A suspension system includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims the benefitof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/903,022 filed on Oct. 12, 2010entitled “SELF-REGULATING SUSPENSION” by Andrew Laird, which isincorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference and is assigned tothe assignee of the present application, which application claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application61/250,999 filed on Oct. 13, 2009 entitled “SELF-REGULATING SUSPENSION”by Andrew Laird, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, byreference and is assigned to the assignee of the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatusfor use in suspension assemblies. Particular embodiments of the presenttechnology relate to methods and apparatus useful for adjusting dampingcharacteristics of vehicle suspension systems.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, including wheeled vehicles, are typically suspended to absorbshock encountered while traversing uneven terrain. Fundamental vehiclesuspensions for controlling vehicle body motion and handlingcharacteristics during vehicle travel over uneven surface are well-knownin the art. Wheeled vehicles usually include one vehicle suspensionassembly per wheel so that each wheel may absorb shock independently.Vehicle suspensions typically comprise many components, including ahydraulic cylinder with an internal piston connected to a central pistonrod, which reciprocates within the cylinder to produce damping forces.

Damping forces created by the vehicle suspension have a major influenceon the overall dynamic performance of a vehicle. A wide range of dynamicconditions are encountered during typical vehicle motion over varioussurface and terrain features. For example, these features and conditionsinclude large and small bumps, sharp-edged bumps and round-edged bumps,close-spaced bumps and wide spaced bumps, stutter bumps and gradualundulating bumps, dips, depressions, crevices and so forth. Thus, thevehicle suspension undergoes a wide range of tough conditions that putspressure on the functionality of its internal components. What is neededare vehicle suspension assemblies that better accommodate theseperformance requirements, as there exists many limitations to thepresent state of vehicle suspension technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fork.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fork damping cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fork damping cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one telescoping leg of a fork.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fork having a coil-sprungembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fork having a coil-sprungembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional of a leg tube of a fork.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a damping assembly with the leg tubeof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a fork, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of a self-regulating suspension, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9C is a block diagram of a self-regulating suspension, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the right leg 903,including a cylinder, a lower cartridge and a inertia valve, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the right leg 903,including a cylinder and a damping cartridge, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a damping cartridge, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a damping cartridge, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a lower cartridge, aninertia valve and a portion of a blow-off valve, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a leg of a fork, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a blow-off valve, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an inertia valve, including a boostvalve pair, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle suspension damper of afork, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 17 is a flow of a method for unlocking a suspension, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle suspension damper of afork, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

The drawings referred to in this description should not be understood asbeing drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction withvarious embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary,the present technology is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope ofthe various embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present technology. However, the present technology may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detailas not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments.

The discussion will begin with a brief overview of a vehicle wheelsuspension. The discussion will then focus on embodiments of the presenttechnology for a self-regulating suspension that provides for dampingassemblies arranged in parallel within the vehicle suspension, therebyproviding a greater traveling area for piston movement.

In general, vehicle wheel suspensions includes a damping mechanism fordissipating energy (inertial wheel movement induced by disparities inthe terrain over which the vehicle travels) and a spring mechanism forstoring energy to rebound a compressed suspension to an uncompressedstate and to provide additional resistance to compression. Dampingassemblies convert wheel movement into heat primarily by means of fluidfriction in a dashpot type device. Spring mechanisms may take many formsincluding, coiled springs, elastomer bumpers, compressible fluid (e.g.gas, silicone oil), suitable combinations thereof or other suitableenergy storage mechanisms.

Vehicles having a single front wheel, such as for example motorcyclesand bicycles, often have front suspension assemblies in the form of a“fork” 100 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a type offork 100. The fork 100 includes lower leg tubes 104 and 118 having upperleg tubes 108 and 114 telescopically engaged respectively therewith. Thecrown 110 holds the telescopic fork legs in spaced relation to thesteering tube 112. The drop outs 102 accommodate the axle of a frontbicycle wheel. The fork 100 shown includes right leg 106 and left leg116, The fork 100 is similar to suspension disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,163,222 which patent is incorporated herein, in its entirety, byreference.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fork dampingcartridge, 200 and 300, respectively, that includes the internalworkings of at least one leg of a bicycle fork (or motorcycle fork).Although the damping cartridge 200 and 300 may function inside a singlelegged fork or shock absorber, the damping cartridge 200 and 300 mayalso be installed inside one or more telescoping legs of the fork 400 ofFIG. 4 (a two-legged fork 402).

The top cap 206 includes male threads and an outer diameter o-ring seal.The top cap 206 is threaded into sealing engagement with an innerdiameter of an upper leg tube (that extends through a crown, both notshown). The top cap 206 anchors the upper end of the cartridge axiallyto the upper end of the upper leg tube. The lower end of the cartridgeincludes a shaft 310 and a nut assembly 312 threaded onto the shaft 310.The shaft 310 extends through a hole in the bottom of a lower leg tubethat the cartridge is substantially inside a combination of the lowerleg tube and an upper leg tube telescopically engaged therewith. The nutassembly 312 is threaded onto the shaft 310 from outside the lower legtube and the cartridge is thereby anchored axially to the bottom of thelower leg tube.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the top cap 206 is connected to thepiston rod 212, which in turn is connected to the piston assembly 202.The top cap 206 has an adjuster knob 208, which is connected to anadjuster plug 210. The adjuster plug 210 axially abuts an adjustmentshaft 214 which in turn axially abuts a needle body 216. The needle body216 includes the needle 218 which is disposed in variable axial relationwithin the orifice 220 of the piston assembly 202. The nut assembly 312is connected to the shaft 310, which, through the lower damper 308internal parts, is connected to the lower damper body 304, which is inturn connected to the damper body 306. Although the adjuster knob 208,adjuster plug 210, adjustment shaft 214, needle body 216 and needle 218are axially movable relative to the top cap 206, the piston rod 212, thepiston assembly 202 and the orifice 220, all of these move togetheraxially in telescopic relation to the damper body 306.

During operation, the damper leg of the fork is subject to compressionand rebound loads. The compression is induced by disparities in theterrain being traversed by a vehicle equipped with the fork. The reboundis induced by a spring (e.g., gas spring, mechanical spring, coil [notshown]), preferably located in another leg of the fork, which storesenergy during compression of the fork and then releases that energy whenthe disparity is passed. The energy is released in urging the suspensionunit to elongate axially following the axial compression during whichthe energy is stored. The top cap 206 and its connected parts (asdisclosed herein) move with the upper leg tube during compression andrebound and the nut assembly 312 and its connected parts (as disclosedherein) move with the lower leg tube.

Movement of the upper leg tube relative to the lower leg tube causes thepiston assembly 202 to move axially within the damper body 306. During acompression stroke, the piston assembly 202 moves downward in the damperbody 306 and thereby reduces the volume of the compression chamber. Asfluid is displaced from the compression chamber, some of it flowsthrough passages and deflects from the one way shim stack valve to enterthe rebound chamber 204. Some of the displaced fluid flows through theorifice 220 and into the lower damper 308. The resistance to movement ofthe fluid from the compression chamber, through the passages (and shimvalve on piston) and the orifice 220 provide compression damping for thesuspension unit in which the damper cartridge is included.

Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, during a rebound stroke, the pistonassembly 202 moves upward in the damper body 306 and thereby increasesthe volume of the compression chamber. As fluid is displaced from therebound chamber 204, it flows through apertures and into an annularvolume. It then flows past the needle 218, through channels and theorifice 220 to enter the compression chamber. Also, the previouslydisplaced fluid flows through the orifice 220 from the lower damper 308and back into the compression chamber. The resistance to movement of thefluid from the rebound chamber 204, through the channels and the orifice220 provide rebound damping for the suspension unit in which the dampercartridge is included.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, an alternative to the internalfloating piston is an outer flexible tubing that is located within thelower damper body 304 and provides a compensation chamber for the volumeof the shaft 310 as it enters the fluid reservoir 222 duringcompression. Another term used for the fluid reservoir is a“compressible chamber”. The outer flexible tube 302 includes an elasticmaterial or structure, for example an elastomeric toroid or semi-toroidor a metallic or plastic bellows or any other suitable structure ormaterial. An interior of the outer flexible tube 302 is charged with acompressible fluid at an initial pressure. As the shaft 310 enters thecompression chamber during compression, fluid flows from the compressionchamber into the lower damper body 304 and the volume of the outerflexible tube 302 is reduced correspondingly as the gas within the outerflexible tube 302 is compressed. Such gas compression correspondinglyraises the ambient pressure within the compression chamber and reboundchamber 204.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show embodiments of a suspension that may be adapted foruse with the systems and mechanisms described herein. FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate a coil-sprung embodiment of the two legged fork 100 of FIG.1, indicated generally by reference characters 500 and 600 respectively.

The forks, 500 and 600, coil-sprung fork embodiments, utilize a pair ofpositive coil springs to provide an expansion force on the fork. A firstspring 504 is located in the right fork leg, while a second spring 532is located in the left leg 534. An air spring arrangement may be used inlieu of or in conjunction with a coiled spring. With a coil spring,first spring 504, second spring 532 located in each of the fork legs,right leg 502, left leg 534, respectively, the expansion force on thefork 500, 600 is substantially balanced between the fork legs, right leg502, left leg 534. This enhances the coaxial telescopic motion of theupper legs, upper leg tube 552 and upper leg tube 560 relative to thelower leg tubes 548, lower leg tube 548 and 562 during compression andrebound for smooth motion with reduced binding.

The first spring 504 is positioned in the right leg 502 between thedamper cap assembly 510 and the cartridge tube cap 546. A pair ofspacers, including a first spacer 508 and a second spacer 506, areinterposed between the damper cap assembly 510 and the first spring 504.In one embodiment the spacers, first spacer 508 and second spacer 506are substantially C-shaped so that they may be easily removed from thedamper shaft 550 in a radial direction. Optionally, the spacers, firstspacer 508 and second spacer 506, are configured to engage the dampershaft 550 in a snap fit attachment.

An upper spring guide 554 is positioned between the first spring 504 andthe spacer immediately adjacent the first spring 504 (second spacer 506in the illustrated embodiment) to assist in keeping the first spring 504concentric with the damper shaft 550. The cartridge tube cap 546functions as an upper spring guide 554 for the lower end of the firstspring 504. However, a separate spring guide 554 member may also beprovided.

A second spring 532 is positioned in the left leg 534 between the springcap assembly 522 and the upper spring stop 542. A first spacer 508 and asecond spacer 506 are positioned between the spring cap assembly 522 andthe second spring 532. In one embodiment, the first and second spacers508 and 506, respectively, are substantially identical to the spacersdescribed above in relation to the first spring 504.

A preload adjuster assembly 516 is provided to allow adjustment of thepreload on the second spring 532. The preload adjuster assembly 516generally comprises an adjuster cap 512, an adjuster shaft 558, a barrel556 and an adjuster knob 518. The adjuster cap 512 is sealingly engagedwith upper open end of the upper leg tube 560. The adjuster cap 512includes a central aperture which allows the adjuster shaft 558 to passthrough while in a sealed arrangement. The adjuster knob 518 is fixed tothe adjuster shaft 558 by a fastener 526 such that rotation of theadjuster knob 518 results in the rotation of the adjuster shaft 558. Aball detent assembly 514, substantially similar to those describedabove, may be provided between the adjuster cap 512 and the adjusterknob 518 to define a plurality of preload adjustment positions.

The barrel 556 is threadably engaged with the adjuster shaft 558 andengages the second spacer. In addition, the barrel 556 includes a ballpocket for holding a ball bearing 520, which rides within an axialgroove 524 defined by the adjuster cap 512. This arrangement preventsthe barrel 556 from rotating relative to the adjuster cap 512.Accordingly, rotation of the adjuster shaft 558, via the adjuster knob518, results in translation of the barrel 556 relative to the adjustercap 512. A change in the axial position of the barrel 556 alters thepreload force on the second spring 532.

The upper spring stop 542 is attached (e.g. roll-crimped) to a plungerrod 544 which extends upward from the closed end of the lower leg tubes548 and 562. The upper spring stop 542 includes an O-ring 536 whichserves as an upper spring guide 554 for the lower end of the secondspring 532. The O-ring 536 is preferred because it's compressibilityallows a single size of O-ring to accommodate a number of differentspring inner diameters. The inner diameter of a spring may vary withdifferent spring rates, therefore, the O-ring 536 allows a number offirst and second springs 504 and 532, respectively, having varyingspring rates to be used with fork. A negative spring chamber 564 isdefined between the upper spring stop 542 and the lower spring stop 542.In one embodiment a single negative spring 540 is provided, rather thanthe dual negative coil spring arrangement of previous embodiments.

The forks 500 and 600 of FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, are capable ofbeing adjusted for varying amounts of travel, or total distance betweenit's fully compressed and fully extended positions. With reference toFIG. 4, the fork therein has been configured to have less travel thanthe fork as configured in FIG. 3. To accomplish this, the first andsecond spacers 508 and 506, respectively, of the left leg 534 were movedfrom their position between the upper end of the second spring 532 andthe spring cap assembly 522 to a position below the plunger rod 544.Specifically, the upper spring guide is slid downward on the plunger rod544 and the first and second spacers 508 and 506, respectively, arepositioned between the upper spring guide and the upper spring stop 542.This lowers the upper leg tubes 552 and 560, relative to the lower legtubes 548 and 562, and shortens the travel of the fork by the combinedlength of the first and second spacers 508 and 506, respectively. Inorder to accommodate the shorter travel configuration without alteringthe preload on the first spring 504, the spacers, (FIG. 5) are removedfrom the right leg 502.

In one embodiment, the first spacer 508 is approximately 20 mm in lengthand the second spacer 506 is approximately 25 mm in length. The travelfor the fork as configured in FIG. 5 is approximately 125 mm. Asconfigured in FIG. 4, the travel is reduced to 80 mm. Optionally, onlyone of the first and second spacers 508 and 506, respectively, may bepositioned below the upper spring stop 542 while the other spacerremains positioned above the upper stop. With this configuration, thefork travel would be shortened by the length of the spacer positionedbelow the upper spring stop 542, either 20 mm or 25 mm. Thecorresponding first and second spacers 508 and 506, respectively, may beremoved from the right leg 502, to maintain the desired preload on thefirst spring 504, as described above. Additionally, varying spacerconfigurations may be used. For example, the first and second spacers508 and 506, respectively, may be replaced by a single spacer. Also,spacers of other lengths may be used.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show cross-sectional views of one leg of a fork 700 and adamping assembly 800, respectively, in embodiments of the presenttechnology. In relevant detail, as shown in FIG. 8, are lower left andright leg tubes 802 and 812, respectively, having upper left and rightleg tubes 808 and 810, respectively, telescopically engaged respectivelytherewith. In the asymmetric fork embodiment of FIG. 8, right leg 806comprises a damping assembly while left leg comprises a spring assembly.Optionally, one or each (both) legs may comprise both a damping andspring assembly.

FIG. 8 shows other components of a fork 800 that are not described indetail, but are depicted nonetheless for contextual purposes. Thesecomponents are damper cap assembly 818, and damper assembly 804 of rightleg. Each for leg comprises a seal and wiper assembly, located at theentrance or upper opening of each lower left and right leg tube, 802 and812, respectively, to seal the telescopic leg and to keep debris out ofthe telescopic leg. The seal assembly seals against an outer surface ofthe upper left and right leg tubes 808 and 810, respectively, as itmoves telescopically relative to the opening. In the shown embodiment,the seal assembly comprises wiper seal 816 and foam ring 814.

FIG. 7 shows a damper interoperable with a piston rod 702 within a legof a suspension fork, according to one embodiment of the presenttechnology. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper left leg tube 808telescopes in and out of the lower left leg tube 802 in response tobumps or depressions that are encountered by a wheel attached to thedrop out (from FIG. 1) of the lower left leg tube 802. Such forces aretransmitted to the piston rod 702 and lower cartridge 704 since thepiston rod 702 is fixed relative to the upper left leg tube and thelower cartridge 704 is fixed relative to the lower left leg tube 802that results in a compression force (telescopes in) or tensile force(telescopes out) respectively between the piston rod 702 and the lowercartridge 704.

Currently, damping assemblies are arranged linearly, and thereforeutilize space within a fork leg that would otherwise be used toaccommodate a piston traveling within a compression chamber. Embodimentsof the present technology arrange damping assemblies in parallel witheach other, thereby opening up space with a fluid reservoir forreceiving a piston traveling there through.

In one embodiment, the isolated suspension location is positioned alongthe outer edge of a cylinder (comprising a compression chamber) within afork leg, and includes an outer wall made of flexible tubing that isdesigned to expand outward in response to an entry of damping fluid intothe isolated suspension location. Thus, for example, when a lower legtelescopically receives an upper leg during compression, the piston ofthe upper leg moves into a compression chamber (hereinafter, “fluidreservoir”) of the lower leg that is filled with damping fluid. Themovement of this piston therein causes the damping fluid to move along afluid flow circuit from the fluid reservoir and through an inertiavalve. If the pressure on the damping fluid caused by the compressionexceeds a predetermined threshold, the inertia valve is caused to opensuch that the damping fluid is able to travel to an isolated suspensionlocation positioned along the outer edge of the cylinder.

Once in the isolated suspension location, the damping fluid accumulatesand causes the flexible tubing enclosing a portion of the isolatedsuspension location to expand outwards while at the same time providingresistance and thus a damping effect. A flow regulator (e.g., a one-wayshim stack valve is located between the inertia valve and the fluidreservoir). This flow regulator applies another damping influence on thedamping fluid flowing through the fluid flow circuit towards theisolated suspension location. Further, this flow regulator isadjustable, thereby enabling the adjustment of a damping rate applied bythe flow regulator onto the damping fluid.

In one embodiment, when the inertia valve is in a “lock-out” state,telescopically engaging movement between the two fork legs is inhibited.However, a blow-off valve that is positioned in series with the inertiavalve and with the flow regulator operates to displace the damping fluidto the isolated suspension location when a predetermined threshold isreached or exceeded.

For example, when the damping fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir isabove a predetermined threshold, a piston is forced away from a pistonseat and allows damping fluid to flow through an inertia valve openingand through radial ports in the inertia valve body and into the isolatedsuspension location, thus lowering the pressure within the compressionchamber.

However, when the inertia valve is in a lock-out state, the cylinder ofthe lower fork leg is at a closed position, and the flow of hydraulicfluid is prevented through the low, mid and high-speed compressioncircuits. Thus, the fork is also in a lock-out state, wheresubstantially no relative motion is permitted between the upper legtubes and the lower leg tubes and. This prevents rider pedal energy frombeing absorbed by the fork, thereby allowing such energy to insteadpromote forward motion of the bicycle.

If a large bump is encountered, such that the pressure within the fluidreservoir rises above the threshold necessary to open the blow-offvalve, the blow-off valve operates to allow fluid flow from the fluidreservoir to the isolated suspension location. This prevents damage tothe various seals of the fork and prevents the entire force of the bumpfrom being transferred to the rider.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology provide a self-regulatingsuspension system that includes an inertia valve and blow-off valvepositioned in parallel with each other and a flow regulator positionedin series with each of the inertia valve and the blow-off valve (and thefluid flow associated with the valves). This unique design enables moretravel room in the compression chambers for movement of a piston,thereby providing a more consistent damping rate response to movement ofan upper leg tube in relation to the lower leg tube.

The following discussion will begin with a description of the structureof the components of the present technology. This discussion will thenbe followed by a description of the components in operation.

Structure

FIG. 9A shows a cross-sectional view of a fork 900A, in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. FIG. 9A shows the right leg 903,including the upper leg tube 905 telescopically engaged with the lowerleg tube 901. In embodiments, movable within the lower leg tube 901 isthe damping piston assembly or “damping cartridge” 917. The lower legtube 901, in embodiments, includes the cylinder 915 enclosing the fluidreservoir 911 and positioned above the damping valve assembly or “lowercartridge” 913. Further, the inertia valve assembly 909 and the blow-offvalve assembly 907 are positioned below the lower cartridge 913.

FIG. 9B is a block diagram of a self-regulating suspension 900B inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. In oneembodiment, a self-regulating suspension includes a first suspensionmember (e.g., upper leg tube 905), a second suspension member (e.g.,lower leg tube 901), a fluid reservoir (e.g., compression chamber) 911and a fluid flow circuit 922. In one embodiment, the first suspensionmember 902 is axially movable relative to the second suspension member914.

In another embodiment, the fluid reservoir (e.g., compression chamber)911 has a volume that is variable in response to a relative movementbetween the first and the second suspension members. In one embodiment,the fluid flow circuit 922 has a first end 906 in fluidic communicationwith the fluid reservoir 911 and a second end 916 in fluidiccommunication with an isolated suspension location (e.g., defined by theinterior of the annular elastic bladder [e.g., flexible tubing 928 ofFIG. 9C] and the exterior of the compression chamber tube [e.g.,cylinder 915 of FIG. 9A]) 918. In one embodiment, the fluid flow circuit922 comprises a first valve (e.g., inertia valve) 910, a second valve(e.g., damping valve [flow regulator]) 908 and a third valve 912,wherein the first valve 910 and third valve 912 are in parallel and thesecond valve 908 is in series with each of the first and third valves910 and 912, respectively.

Of note, in one embodiment, the first valve 910 is part of the inertiavalve assembly 909, as shown in FIG. 9A. In one embodiment, the secondvalve 908 is a flow regulator 956 (shown in FIG. 9D). In one embodiment,a portion of the flow regulator 956 includes a one way shim stack valve.Moreover, in another embodiment, the third valve 912 is part of the blowoff valve assembly 907, as shown in FIG. 9A.

In one embodiment, the isolated suspension location 918 includes aninlet 924 in fluidic communication with the second end (e.g., the outletof the second valve [damping valve]) 916 of the fluid flow circuit 922,an end barrier 932 and an annular enclosing wall 930 that defines anisolated suspension location 918 between the inlet 924 and the endbarrier 932. In one embodiment, the annular enclosing wall 930 includesan outer surface 926 of a cylinder 915, a flexible tubing 928, a firstcompression region 934 and a second compression region 935, thecompression regions 934 and 935 including hardware fro sealing andretaining each respective end of the flexible tubing 928.

In one embodiment, the first compression region 934 is configured forsealingly compressing a first end of the flexible tubing 928 against afirst end of the of the cylinder 915. In another embodiment, the secondcompression region 935 includes the inlet 924 and is configured forretainably compressing a second end of the flexible tubing 928 against asecond end of the outer surface 926 of the cylinder 915.

FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the right leg 903, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. Morespecifically, FIG. 9D shows embodiments of the previously schematicallydescribed FIGS. 9B and 9C, including a portion of the cylinder, thelower cartridge, the inertia valve and the blow-off valve, according toembodiments.

In one embodiment, the first compression region 934 includes a portion982 of the first end of the flexible tubing 928, and a first seal ring980 configured for sealingly compressing the portion 982 of the firstend of the flexible tubing 928 against the first end of the outersurface of the cylinder 926, such that the first end of the flexibletubing 928 and the first end of the outer surface 926 of the cylinder915 are sealingly squeezed shut. Further, in one embodiment, the portion982 of the first end of the flexible tubing 928 includes an upset. Inone embodiment, both ends of the flexible tubing 928 are constant wallwith the flexible tubing 928 (i.e., no upsets).

In one embodiment, the second compression region 935 includes a portion952 of the second end of the flexible tubing 928 and a second seal ring950 configured for retainably compressing the portion 952 of the secondend of the flexible tubing 928 against the second end of the outersurface 926 of the cylinder 926, such that the second end of theflexible tubing 928 and the second end of the outer surface of thecylinder 926 are squeezed partially together to retain a first 915 whileremaining open to damping fluid flowing between the fluid flow circuit922 and the isolated suspension location 918. In one embodiment, theportion 952 of the flexible tubing 928 includes an upset.

FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the right leg 903, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 9E shows aportion of the cylinder 915 and damping cartridge 917. In oneembodiment, the flexible tubing 928 is configured for creating a fluidtight seal at each end of the flexible tubing 928. The outer flexibletube is upset and the upset end is captured by a seal ring (first andsecond seal rings 980 and 950, respectively). During installation, theseal ring is pressed into the inner diameter at an end of the outerflexible tubing 928 such that it straddles the upset. The end of theouter flexible tubing 928, with the seal ring installed is then slidaxially into an inner diameter of a solid cylindrical housing, such asfor example, the inner diameter of the annular partition 1602 (of FIG.16). The annular partition 1602 and the seal ring are dimensioned suchthat the annular space formed between them is radially thinner than thethickness of the upset, thereby placing the elastic upset in a sealingsqueeze (such as an o-ring mechanism would function).

In one embodiment, the bladder stock may be extruded from a suitableelastic material and then cut to an appropriate length. The length maythen be upset by a secondary upsetting process (e.g. using heat andpressure). Optionally, the upsetting is not necessary and the seal ringand inner diameter of the annular partition 1602 are designed tosqueeze, in sealing engagement, the mere thickness of the bladder stockwhere such squeeze is also sufficient to resist axially loading and“shrinkage” forces that may occur when the bladder is internallypressurized (to expand radially).

In one embodiment, the flexible tubing 928 includes extruded tube stock.In another embodiment, the flexible tubing 928 includes pulltruded tubestock. In one embodiment, the flexible tubing 928 may be designed,manufactured, and constructed as described herein and may include anysuitable material. The outer flexible tubing 928 exhibits elasticcharacteristics. In the embodiments of FIGS. 9A-9E, the substantiallytubular outer flexible tubing is sealingly captured at each end by asupport structure 1002 and a pinch cap 1004. Each mechanism is describedfurther herein. Some embodiments may include other features for furtherdefinition as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/509,258,which application is incorporated herein, in its entirety by reference.

In one embodiment, the extruded or pulltruded tube stock is cut insegments to suitable length. Such manufacturing option may reduce costsper bladder and increase the bladder material and property optionsavailable.

In one embodiment, one of the first and second suspension members, 902and 914, respectively, is an upper leg tube 905, and the other of theone of the first and second suspension members, 902 and 914,respectively, is a lower leg tube 901. The lower leg tube 901 isconfigured for telescopically receiving the upper leg tube 905 and isaxially slidable relative thereto.

In one embodiment, the first valve 910 is an inertia valve including amovable inertia mass 962 and a shaft 964. In one embodiment, the shaft964 comprises an interior hollow portion and an outer surface. Theinterior hollow portion is in fluidic communication with at least oneflow passage intermediate a first and second end of the shaft 964. Theat least one flow passage is selectively and at least partiallyobstructed by the movable inertia mass 962 to control a degree of fluidflow restriction from the fluid reservoir 911 to the isolated suspensionlocation 918 depending on a position of the inertia mass.

For example, and referring now to embodiments of FIGS. 1-9E, when a bumpis encountered by a wheel carried by the suspension and damper of FIG.7, the suspension generally is moved upwardly (as indicated in FIG. 7).The inertia (i.e. tendency to remain at rest) of the inertia valve (ofthe inertia valve assembly 909) causes that inertia valve, due to itsdesigned mass, to remain in space while a suspension member 902/914generally moves in response to the impulse caused by the wheel impactingthe bump. The result is that the inertia valve “moves” down relative tothe shaft 964 (in fact the shaft 964 moves up), thereby fluidcommunicates through fluidic ports 948 with the axial flow paths 1202.With the inertia valve so open in response to the wheel encountering thebump therefore, fluid may flow from the fluid reservoir 911 andextension (hereinafter, “compression chamber 966”), through the fluidicports 948, through axial flow paths 1202, and may exert fluid reservoir911 and compression chamber pressure on the one way shim stack valve956.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the damping cartridge 917, thecylinder 915 and the lower cartridge 913, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology. Referring now to FIG. 10, it is noted thatthe one way valve 1002 may include any suitable damping fluid controlmechanism described herein or any suitable combination thereof. Afterthe damping fluid has passed through the one way valve 1002, it flowsthrough the path and annulus 1006 and into the isolated suspensionlocation 918 (which may be viewed as a sort of annulus). The isolatedsuspension location 918 is formed as a volume between flexible tubing298 (or “bladder”) and an inner tube, or compression chamber wall 926(or outer surface 926 of cylinder 915). The inner tube includes thetubular wall of the fluid reservoir 911. Of note, the fluid reservoir911 is within a cylinder 915. In one embodiment, the isolated suspensionlocation 918 and the fluid reservoir 911 wall are substantiallyconcentric. The isolated suspension location 918 acts to accumulatedisplaced fluid reservoir 911 and compression chamber 966 fluids duringcompression of the suspension, and to supply refill fluid, to the fluidreservoir 911 and the compression chamber 966 during rebound.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the damping cartridge 917, thecylinder 915 and the lower cartridge 913, in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology. The return or “rebound” flow sequenceincludes fluid flowing from the isolated suspension location 918, to thepath and annulus 1006, where it then exerts a pressure against one wayvalve 1002. The one way shim stack valve 956 is biased closed by aspring 1104. When return flow pressure is sufficient, the one way valve1002 is opened and the damping fluid flows through passage(s) 1008 andinto the fluid reservoir 911 and the compression chamber 966. In such anembodiment, the inertia valve is bypassed during rebound. Of note, inone embodiment, the one way valve 1002 includes any of the mechanismsdescribed herein in references to the one way shim stack valve 956 orcombination thereof.

In one embodiment, the movable inertia mass 962 is configured for movingalong the outer surface of the shaft 964 between a first position 970and a second position 972. The first position 970 includes a locationalong the outer surface of the shaft 964 that at least partiallyrestricts fluid flow through a flow passage. In one embodiment, aportion of the fluid bypasses flowing through a flow passage to flowfrom the fluid reservoir 911 to the isolated suspension location 918 asa piston rod 986 moves further into a second suspension member 914. Thesecond position 972 includes a location along the outer surface of theshaft 964 that is providing less restriction to fluid flow through aflow passage, wherein less fluid bypasses flowing through a flow passageto flow from fluid reservoir 911 to the isolated suspension location 918as the piston rod 986 moves further into a suspension member.

In one embodiment, the movable inertia mass 962 moves from the firstposition 970 towards the second position 972 when an upward accelerationimparted to at least a portion of the self-regulating suspension exceedsa predetermined acceleration threshold.

In one embodiment, the inertia valve includes a first plurality ofprotrusions 958 located on a first end 960 of the movable inertia mass962. The first plurality of protrusions 958 is configured for impactinga first absorber when the inertia valve is opened. In anotherembodiment, the inertia valve further includes a second plurality ofprotrusions 942 located on a second end 944 of the movable inertia mass962. The second plurality of protrusions 942 is configured for impactinga second absorber 1204 when the inertia valve is closed.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of portion of a lower cartridge913, an inertia valve and a portion of a blow-off valve, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology. In one embodiment, inertiavalve comprises extension “feet” (that are not continuouscircumferentially, thereby allowing free fluid flow there around) forimpacting an elastomer or other suitably compliant absorber when theinertia valve is opened forcefully. In one embodiment, the extensionfeet include a first plurality of protrusions 958, as is describedherein. In another embodiment, the extension feet include a secondplurality of protrusions 942, as is described herein.

In one embodiment, the self-regulating suspension includes an adjustabletime delay mechanism configured for delaying the inertia valve fromreturning to a closed position. In one embodiment, the adjustable timedelay mechanism includes a fluid recess 940, a one-way delay valvewasher 946 and an inertia valve delay neck 968. In one embodiment, thefluid recess 940 is configured for holding damping fluid. In oneembodiment, the fluid recess 940 is in fluidic communication with thefluid flow circuit 922. For example and referring to FIG. 12, the timedelay functions to hold the inertia valve open against spring 1220 for apredetermined period of time.

Various inertia valve and delay mechanisms are disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 7,520,372, 7,506,884, 7,273,137, 7,128,102, 6,604,751, and6,581,948, each of which is incorporated, in its entirety, herein byreference. Various inertia valve and delay mechanisms are disclosed inUnited States Published Patent Application numbers 2008/007017 A1,2008/0053767 A1, and 2008/0053768 A1, each of which is incorporated, inits entirety, herein by reference. Another variety of inertia valve forkis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,987 which is incorporated, in itsentirety, herein by reference.

In another embodiment, the one way delay valve washer 946 is configuredfor opening when a fluid pressure differential between the compressionchamber 966 and the fluid recess 940 is below a predetermined threshold.In one embodiment, the inertia valve delay neck 968 is positioned at thesecond end 944 of the movable inertia mass 962. The inertia valve delayneck 968 is configured for being biased open by a spring 1220 for apredetermined period of time. The period of time is that which is chosenby a user or that which is preset by someone other than the user. In oneembodiment, the predetermined period of time is translated to theadjustable time delay mechanism via rotation of a delay adjustment knob.For example, a delay mechanism knob may be turned, which turn changesthe time in which the spring 1220 is being biased open.

In one embodiment, the self-regulating suspension further includes aknob assembly that is selectively rotatable. The knob assembly includes,in one embodiment, a damping valve adjustment knob 936 and a dampingvalve adjustment shaft 938. The damping valve adjustment knob 936 isconfigured for being rotated. The damping valve adjustment shaft 938 isconfigured for responding to rotational movement of the dampingadjustment knob. In one embodiment, the responding includes movingaxially in proportion to a thread helix and pushing or pulling on anadjustment shaft that is coupled with a needle valve 1304, therebyadjusting an interference of the needle valve 1304 within a dampingorifice 976 that extends through a center of a damping piston 974. Inone embodiment, during compression or extension of the self-regulatingsuspension, the damping piston 974 controls a flow of the damping fluid.

FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a leg of a fork 1300, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. For example, inone embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the boost valve pair is mounted ina control assembly 1302 of a fork 1300. The control assembly 1302 isshown in greater detail in FIGS. 14 and 15. Referring to FIG. 13, thefork 1300 includes an upper leg tube 905 telescopically received withina lower leg tube 901 and axially slidable relative thereto. The lowerleg tube 901 includes a piston rod 986 having a damping valve adjustmentshaft 938 disposed coaxially therein and axially and rotationallymovable relative thereto. The damping valve adjustment shaft 938 movesaxially in response to rotation of the blow off valve adjustment knoband thereby adjusts the interference of needle valve 1304 within adamping orifice 976 that extends through the center of the dampingpiston 974. The damping valve adjustment knob 936 is accessible from anexterior of the fork and in one embodiment is suited for manipulation byhand, thereby allowing manual adjustment of the needle valve 1304. Thedamping valve adjustment knob 936 is threaded through the lower end ofthe lower leg tube 901. When the damping valve adjustment knob 936 isselectively rotated by a user, damping valve adjustment shaft 938 movesaxially in proportion to the thread helix and the shaft pushes or pullson the damping valve adjustment shaft 938. The damping piston 974 (e.g.orifices there through) controls the flow of fluid from the compressionside of the damping fluid chamber to the rebound side 1310 of thedamping fluid chamber during a compression of the fork and vice versaduring an extension of the fork, thereby providing a selectable dampingresistance.

Optionally, a spring (not shown) is included between the damping valveadjustment shaft 938 and the needle valve 1304 so that duringcompression of the fork, a threshold pressure in the compression chamber966 can overcome the preset or selected spring force (based onadjustment of the damping valve adjustment knob 936), thereby allowingthe fork to “blow off” or allow damping fluid to flow through (reboundside 1310) an otherwise substantially closed piston orifice. The dampingpiston 974 may also include a boost valve piston such as that shown anddescribed herein, for example, in FIG. 12.

In one embodiment, the third valve 912 is a blow-off valve of theblow-off valve assembly 907. The blow-off valve is configured forallowing the first and second suspension members to move closer togetherin response to a pressure imparted on the blow-off valve during acompression of a suspension member within the other suspension member.In one embodiment, the pressure is equal to or greater than a thresholdpressure when a lock-out valve of the inertia valve is in asubstantially inhibiting movement position.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a blow-off valve, in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology. As shown in FIG. 14, theblow off threshold is user adjustable by means of a damping valveadjustment knob 936. The damping valve adjustment knob 936 isrotationally fixed to the damping valve adjustment shaft 938 which isheld incremental rotational positions relative to the lower cartridge704 (of FIG. 7) by spring loaded ball detent mechanism 1402. Rotation ofthe damping valve adjustment shaft 938 causes the damping valveadjustment shaft 938 to translate axially relative to cartridgeextension and correspondingly relative to spring 1404. Rotation of thedamping valve adjustment knob 936 therefore, decreases or increases thepreload compression in spring 1404 and therefore the seating force ofthe blow-off valve. When fluid pressure in the fluid reservoir 911 andcompression chamber 966, multiplied times the effective seated area ofthe blow-off valve, exceeds the seating force of the blow-off valve,compression fluid will flow past the blow-off valve, through flow path1408, and into recess 1410, around an exterior of the inertia valve andinto the isolated suspension location 918 as previously described (e.g.via the one way shim stack valve 956). In one embodiment, the “blow-off”valve (second valve 912) of the blow-off valve assembly 907 is replacedwith, or located in parallel with (or actually co-functional in that ableed valve includes an overpressure pop off or blow off feature), anadjustable bleed valve or other suitable inertia valve bypass valve. Itis noteworthy that, in one embodiment, all compression flow passesthrough the same one way shim stack valve 956 regardless of whether itis by normal function or blow off. If a bump is encountered and theinertia valve does not open in a timely manner, then the blow-off valvewill serve to allow the suspension damper to compress by allowingcompression fluid flow to bypass the inertia valve. Lock and blow-offvalve features are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,222, which patent isincorporated, in its entirety, herein by reference.

For example, and with reference to FIGS. 7-9E, in one embodiment, thedamper assembly 700 of FIG. 7 is resistant to compression force (e.g.“locked out”) until a bump is encountered, by a wheel connected to thedamper assembly, that is sufficient to move the inertia valve (shown inFIG. 12) downward relative to the damper shaft. The inertia valve isbiased closed over the fluidic ports 948 by the spring 335. When thefluidic ports 948 are closed, damping fluid is “locked” within fluidreservoir 911 and compression chamber 966 and cannot evacuate, therebypreventing the piston rod 986 from further entering the fluid reservoir.Since damping fluid cannot evacuate from the fluid reservoir 911 and thecompression chamber 966 to compensate for the incursion of the volume ofrod into the fluid reservoir 911, the damper (and associated suspension)is “locked out”.

In one embodiment, the threshold pressure is operator-selectable. Inanother embodiment, the threshold pressure is adjustable from a locationexternal to the first and second suspension members.

Referring now to FIG. 9D, in one embodiment, the second valve 908includes a flow regulator 956 (such as, for example, one or moreorifices optionally covered by flexible plates or “shims”). In oneembodiment, the flow regulator 956 includes a one-way shim stack valveconfigured for controlling a damping rate by providing resistance todamping fluid flowing there through. In one embodiment, the resistancethat is provided by the one-way shim stack valve against the dampingfluid is adjustable. In one embodiment, the damping rate is controlledduring a flow of the damping fluid towards the isolated suspensionlocation 918. In another embodiment, the damping rate is controlledduring a rebound flow of the damping fluid away from the isolatedsuspension location 918.

In one embodiment, for example, the one way shim stack valve 956 may beset to a predetermined resistance to control damping rate. In oneembodiment, the resistance of the one way shim stack valve 956 isadjustable so that compression damping may be varied. In one embodiment(not shown), the one way shim stack valve 956 includes a one way stackallowing flow upward toward the fluid reservoir 911 and a separate oneway flow path stack allowing one way flow downward from the fluidreservoir 911 to control rebound damping.

FIG. 15 shows an inertia valve including a boost valve pair, inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring now toFIGS. 9A-9E and 15, in one embodiment, the one way shim stack 956includes a valve inner 1526 and a valve outer 1504. Thus, while theinertia valve is open, the damper becomes more resistant to compressionas the piston rod 986 progresses deeper into the fluid reservoir 911 andthe compression chamber 966. In such a “boost valve” embodiment, avolume 954 exterior the isolated suspension location 918 and the outerflexible tubing 928 may be pressurized with gas above atmosphericpressure to enhance the function of the boost valve pair, the valveinner 1526 and the valve outer 1504. Alternatively, a low pressureoption as described herein may be used.

In one embodiment, the third valve 912 is a boost valve configured forproviding increasing resistance to compression as a piston rod 986progresses deeper into the fluid reservoir 911.

In one embodiment, a volume 954 exterior to the isolated suspensionlocation 918 is pressurized with gas above atmospheric pressure forincreasing an ability of the boost valve to resist the compression.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a damping suspensionincludes a first tube, a second tube telescopically receiving at least aportion of the first tube, a cylinder 915, a flexible tubing 928 coupledwith the cylinder 915 and an isolated suspension location 918. In oneembodiment, the cylinder 915 has an inner and outer surface 926, whereinthe inner surface at least partially bounds a fluid reservoir 911. Inanother embodiment, the flexible tubing 928 is coupled with the firstend 984 of the cylinder 915, wherein a first end of the flexible tubing928 is sealingly compressed with a first end 984 of the cylinder 915. Inone embodiment, a ring seal, as is described herein, presses the firstend of the flexible tubing 928 against the outer surface 926 of thecylinder 915, such that the flexible tubing 928 becomes immobile and aseal is formed. In one embodiment, the second end of the flexible tubing928 is retainably compressed towards a second end of the outer surface926 of the cylinder 915. The second end of the outer surface 926 of thecylinder 915 may include the cylinder 915 itself, or parts extendingfrom the cylinder 915. For example, in one embodiment a ring sealpresses the second end of the flexible tubing 928 towards the outersurface 926 of the cylinder 926 such that the second end becomesimmobile, while damping fluid is able to flow between the flexibletubing 928 and the outer surface 926 of the cylinder 926.

In one embodiment, the isolated suspension location 918 includes a fluidflow circuit 922, a first valve 910 and a second valve 908. In oneembodiment, the isolated suspension location 918 is defined by the outersurface 926 of the cylinder 915 and an inner surface of the flexibletubing 928. In one embodiment, the isolated suspension location 918 hasa fluid pressure cavity port (inlet 924) that is in fluidiccommunication with a damping suspension valve assembly. The flexibletubing 928 is configured for expanding as damping fluid enters theisolated suspension location 918 and is configured for compressing asthe damping fluid leaves the isolated suspension location 918.

In one embodiment, the damping suspension valve assembly includes afluid flow circuit 922 comprising a first end 906 in fluidiccommunication with the fluid reservoir 911 and a second end 916 influidic communication with the isolated suspension location 918.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a damping suspension valveassembly includes a fluid flow circuit 922, a first valve 910, a secondvalve 908 and a third valve 912. In one embodiment, the fluid flowcircuit 922 includes a first end 906 in fluidic communication with thefluid reservoir 911 and a second end 916 in fluidic communication withthe isolated suspension location 918. The fluid reservoir 911 receivestherein a variable volume, and the isolated suspension location 918receives a damping fluid from the fluid flow circuit 922 in response tothe variable volume.

In one embodiment, the first valve 910 is positioned along the fluidflow circuit 922. The first valve 910 includes a compression chamber 966there within and is configured for opening and closing in response to avariable pressure imparted on the first valve 910 by the damping fluid.In one embodiment, the compression chamber 966 is in fluidiccommunication with both the isolated suspension location 918 and thefluid reservoir 911 when the first valve 910 is open, and thecompression chamber 966 is in fluidic communication with the fluidreservoir 911 when the first valve 910 is closed. In one embodiment, thefirst valve 910 is an inertia valve.

In one embodiment, of the damping suspension valve assembly, the secondvalve 908 includes an upper surface coupled with the isolated suspensionlocation 918 and a lower surface coupled with the first valve 910 viathe fluid flow circuit 922. The second valve 908 is configured forproviding resistance to the damping fluid flowing along the fluid flowcircuit 922. In one embodiment, the second valve 908 is a flow regulator956 (including, in one embodiment, a one-way shim stack valve), whereina first portion of the fluid flow circuit 922 moving there through is inseries with a second portion of the fluid flow circuit 922 movingthrough the first valve 910.

In one embodiment, the third valve 912 is in fluidic communication withthe first and second valve. The third valve 912 is configured forpushing the damping fluid towards the isolated suspension location 918in response to a pressure imparted on the second valve 908 duringcompression of the damping suspension that is equal to or greater thanan operator-selectable threshold pressure when the first valve 910 is ina substantially inhibiting movement position. In one embodiment, thethird valve 912 is a blow-off valve.

In one embodiment, the outer flexible tube 928 acts as the floatingpiston assembly 202. In one embodiment, the outer flexible tube 928 maybe pressurized form a source outside of the fork. Additionally, in oneembodiment of the vehicle suspension damper in a leg of a fork, avariable damper is coupled with the piston assembly 202. In anotherembodiment, the variable damper is coupled with a ported bulkhead.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in which a two legged fork (of a vehicle,e.g., bicycle) with a suspension damper is shown in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. As described herein, thecartridge of FIG. 3 may be installed in one leg of the fork. In oneembodiment and as described herein, one leg may include the vehiclesuspension damper 400 of FIG. 4 and the other leg of the fork mayinclude a spring (e.g., gas spring, mechanical spring, coil) whichstores energy during compression of the fork and then releases thatenergy when a disparity is passed. In one embodiment, the spring isadjustable.

In one embodiment, the legs include boost valves. In another embodiment,forks include pressurized boost valves. For example, areas within thelegs of the fork of FIG. 4 are capable of holding matter and may be“pressurized” from an outside source with air, gas, and/or liquid.

In one embodiment, the suspension damper includes a compression chamber,a first flow path and a second flow path. In one embodiment, thecompression chamber includes a piston and rod movable therein. In oneembodiment, the first flow path extends from a first compression chamberportion to a second compression chamber portion, wherein the firstcompression chamber portion and the second compression chamber portionis separated by the piston. In one embodiment, the second flow pathextends from the compression chamber to an isolated suspension location.The second flow path traverses at least one of a terrain sensitive valveand a bypass valve. The second flow path further traverses a flowregulator, wherein at least one of the flow regulator and the terrainsensitive valve and the bypass valve is axially overlapping at least aportion of the isolated suspension location.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a cross-sectional view of a vehicle suspensiondamper 1600 and related components with a leg of a two legged fork isshown in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Theouter flexible tube 928 within the lower damper can be clearly seen.

Operation

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method for unlocking a suspension is shown,in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring nowto FIGS. 9A-9E and 17, a suspension may be described as being loaded incompression. At 1704, at least one of a blow-off valve and a terrainsensitive damper valve is opened. In one embodiment, at least one of theblow-off valve and a damping valve is opened when a predeterminedthreshold damping fluid pressure is exceeded. In one embodiment, thispredetermined threshold damping fluid pressure imparted upon the atleast one of a blow-off valve and a terrain sensitive damper valve isadjusted by a pressure threshold adjustment knob.

At 1706, a damping fluid flows through the at least one of the blow-offvalve and the terrain sensitive damping valve. At 1708, the dampingfluid is delivered, via the flow regulator 956, to a predeterminedlocation of the suspension, the predetermined location being fluidlyisolated from gas. At 1710, the terrain sensitive damping valve isdelayed from returning to a closed position for a predetermined periodof time. In one embodiment, this predetermined period of time is set viaa delay adjustment knob.

In one embodiment, during compression of the fork, the piston shaft 1306progresses into the fluid reservoir 911 and rebound side 1310. As itdoes so, it must, because the fluid reservoir 911 and rebound side 1310is of fixed volume, displace a volume of fluid (typically“incompressible” damping liquid such as hydraulic oil) corresponding tothe volume of the piston shaft 1306 as it enters the fluid reservoir911. The displacement of the damping fluid from the fluid reservoir 911and rebound side 1310 affords an additional damping feature.

Referring again to FIGS. 15 and 16, the displaced fluid flows from thefluid reservoir 911 and into the compression chamber 966. From there, itcontinues into the throat, and then to the orifice 1538. When thedamping fluid pressure at the orifice 1538 is sufficient to overcome thepreload spring 1516, the damping fluid flows through the orifice 1538and along flow paths (through a plurality of apertures 1508 disposedcircumferentially about the throat body 1540) into a plurality oforifices 1520. The plurality of orifices 1520 are obstructed at a lowerend by a valve outer. The valve outer 1504 is “nested” with the valveinner 1526 and an annular fluid chamber 1506 is formed between the valveouter 1504 and the valve inner 1526. In one embodiment, the annularfluid chamber 1506 is filled by gas at atmospheric pressure. When thestatic or “ambient” pressure of the damping fluid is greater thanatmospheric, it acts to force the valve outer 1504 upwardly and thevalve inner 1526 downwardly. In other words, the valve outer 1504 andthe valve inner 1526 tend to become more tightly “nested”. That in turnforces the valve outer 1504 against the plurality of orifices 1520. Thegreater the differential pressure between the damping fluid and theannular fluid chamber 1506, the greater the force will be that isexerted by the valve outer 1504 against the plurality of orifices 1520.That in turn will increase resistance to damping fluid flow through theplurality of orifices 1520 toward the flow path 1534 and will therebyincrease the compressive damping force of the fork. Damping fluidflowing through the flow paths 1534 then flows into the annular fluidchamber 1506 where its pressure may be affected by gas pressure inchamber.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, in one embodiment, the annular fluidchamber 1506 is filled with substantially nothing and therefore containsa vacuum. That may be accomplished by engaging or “nesting” the parts,valve inner and valve outer, in a vacuum, or by pumping the annularfluid chamber 1506 down (e.g. vacuum pump) through an orifice 1538 (notshown) and then plugging the orifice 1538. When the annular fluidchamber 1506 is at vacuum, mere atmospheric pressure will be higher. Inone embodiment, pressurization of the shock absorber or fork leg (e.g.through gas induction valve 1518 to chamber) may be atmospheric orslightly above atmospheric. In one low pressure embodiment, the annularbladder or floating piston is used in order to isolate a minimizedvolume of gas for facilitating pressure increases during a compressionstroke of the suspension. In one embodiment, the annular fluid chamber1506 serves to isolate the gas compensation chamber from the dampingfluid, thereby avoiding any intermingling of the gas and the fluid (e.g.liquid oil) which would result in a reduced damping performance (due tothe damping fluid becoming emulsified).

In one embodiment, the annular fluid chamber 1506 is filled with gas atabove atmospheric pressure, whereby such gas pressure is specified to begreater than an initial (corresponding to an extended state of thesuspension) static damping fluid pressure and corresponding gas pressurewithin the chamber. In such an embodiment, the gas in the annular fluidchamber 1506 biases the outer and inner valve portions away from oneanother (e.g. increasing the gap) until the suspension is strokedsufficiently in compression to revise the static damping fluid pressureto a value higher than that annular fluid chamber 1506 gas pressure. Inone embodiment, the boost valve damping mechanism is held open until apredetermined point in the compression stroke is reached. In such anembodiment, the suspension exhibits very compliant dampingcharacteristics until later in the compression stroke, at which pointthe suspension becomes more rigid (and in that way suspension “bottomout” may be mitigated). In one embodiment, a mechanical spring is placedwithin the annular fluid chamber 1506 such that it is in compressionbetween the outer and inner valve halves and biases them to move apartin a manner, and with a result, similar to the foregoing descriptionexcept that the spring rate may be more linear than an initial gaspressure charge “spring”).

In one embodiment, the volume of the annular fluid chamber 1506 isconfigured in proportion to the diameter of the piston shaft 1306 andthe length of the suspension stroke or the length of the piston shaft1306 that will, at most, enter into the fluid reservoir 911 and therebound side 1310. Such a consideration may be referred to as the“damper compression ratio”. In one embodiment, the volume of the annularfluid chamber 1506 is twice the volume of the piston shaft 1306 that mayenter the fluid reservoir 911 and rebound side 1310 at maximumcompression stroke of the suspension or in other words the dampercompression ratio is two (volume of the compensating chamber divided bythe shaft volume maximum minus shaft volume [in the damping chamber]initial). In some boost valve suspension embodiments, useful compressionratios range from 1.5 to 4. In some embodiment, more particular usefulcompression ratios range from 2 to 3. In some fork embodiments,compression ratios may be relatively lower in a range because a forktypically operates within a vehicle system on a one to one basis (i.e.the wheel moves an inch and the fork moves an inch, whereas a shock maymove ½ inch per 2 inches of wheel travel, thereby increasing the inchper inch resistance required of an effective shock. There is no leveringlinkage usually associated with a fork. There is often linkageassociated with a rear shock.)

The ambient pressure of the damping fluid may be altered by pressurizing(in one embodiment with a compressible fluid such as a gas) thecompensation chamber. In one embodiment, the isolated suspensionlocation 918 is pressurized by adding gas, at a desired damping fluidambient pressure, through gas induction valve 1518. The gas inductionvalve 1518 may be a rubber plug under a set screw, a Schrader type gasvalve, a Presta type gas valve or any valve suitable for gasintroduction and sealing at pressure. When the gas is introduced intothe gas induction valve 1518, it flows through the plurality of orifices1520 and into the isolated suspension location 918. In one embodiment,the isolated suspension location 918 is sealed at a lower end by anannular partition 1602 and seal in order to limit the volume ofpressurized gas, consistent with a desired damping compression ratio,influencing the dimension of the upper tube (and if the upper tube iscompletely pressurized dimensional changes and possible binding betweenfork legs may occur). In one embodiment, the isolated suspensionlocation 918 may be pressurized to 100 or 200 psi and may function atpressures from 200 to 600 psi.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15, the ambient pressure of the dampingfluid may be altered by pressurizing (in one embodiment with acompressible fluid such as a gas) the fluid reservoir. In oneembodiment, the fluid reservoir 911 is pressurized by adding gas, at adesired damping fluid ambient pressure, through the gas induction valve1518. The gas induction valve 1518 may be a rubber plug under a setscrew, a Schrader type gas valve, a Presta type gas valve or any valvesuitable for gas induction and sealing at pressure. When the gas isintroduced into the gas induction valve 1518, it flows through theorifices 1520 and into the isolated suspension location 918. In oneembodiment, the fluid reservoir 911 is sealed at a lower end by anannular partition 1602 and is sealed in order to limit the volume ofpressurized gas influencing the dimension of the upper tube (see FIG.13) (if the upper tube is completely pressurized dimensional changes andpossible binding between fork legs may occur).

Referring now to FIG. 18, a cross sectional view of a vehicle suspensiondamper and related components within a fork 1800 that is configured fora motorcycle is shown in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. Shown in the fork 1800 are the following components: pistonassembly 1802, variable damper 1818, movable outer valve 1808, reversebend shim 1806, main stack of shims 1804, the first big diameter shim1820 furthest from the piston assembly 1802, IFP chamber 1810 (similarin function to the damping fluid chamber of previous figures),compression bleed adjuster (not labeled), spring pre-load adjuster (notlabeled) and IFP spring 1812.

In operation, the variable damper 1818 acts against a reverse bend shim1806 arrangement. As the pressure in the IFP chamber 1812 increases dueto compression of the fork 1800, the movable outer valve 1808 pushesagainst the first big diameter shim 1820 furthest from the pistonassembly 1802. The first big diameter shim 1820 bends against the mainstack of shims 1804, effectively increasing the stiffness of the mainstack of shims 1804 as the fork 1800 is compressed.

At the beginning of travel, when the pressure of the IFP chamber 1812 isat a minimum, the variable damper 1818 is not influencing the dampingforce. At some point into the travel, when the reverse bend shim 1806assembly starts to engage the main stack of shims 1804, is when thevariable damper 1818 starts acting. This gives initial free movement ofthe fork 1800 and then produces the position-sensitive effect to thecompression damping deeper in travel.

Of note, external adjustments may be made to the components of the fork1800. For example, a compression bleed adjuster is coupled in parallelwith the variable damper 1818. The compression bleed adjuster isconfigurable to be adjusted externally. In addition, in one embodiment,there is a spring pre-load adjuster which acts to change the pre-load onthe IFP spring 1812. In one embodiment, turning the spring pre-loadadjuster clockwise will increase the pre-load on the IFP spring 1812 andmake the variable damper 1818 react closer to the initial part of itstravel. Turning the spring pre-load adjuster will control the dive orpitch of the fork 1800 (most notable in the corners).

Another external adjustment that may be made in accordance withembodiments of the present technology is to alter the height of theexternal oil bath. Raising the oil height will increase the damping ofthe air volume in the fork 1800, thus increasing the apparent pressureof the IFP chamber 1810. Most likely, this adjustment will affect thelast few inches of travel.

Referring now to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, the fork includes anadjustable damping mechanism including a metering valve 1536. Themetering valve 1536 can be adjusted by rotation of the top cap 1510,which correspondingly rotates the adjuster 1512. The adjuster 1512 isnon round and engages a similarly non round hole through a nut 1514.When the adjuster 1512 is rotated, the nut 1514 is rotated and alsotraverses its threaded housing axially. As the nut 1514 moves axially,the preload on the preload spring 1516 is correspondingly altered.Because the preloaded spring exerts an axial load on the metering valve1536 body, the damping characteristic, or resistance to flow through theorifice is selectively and manually adjusted by turning the top cap1510.

The pressurized gas acts almost without resistance on the damping fluidthrough the outer flexible tube 928. In one embodiment, the outerflexible tube 928 is made from an elastomer (or other suitable flexiblematerial) and acts as a pressure transmitting diaphragm (annular)between the gas in the isolated suspension location 918 and the dampingfluid in the isolated suspension location 918. Because the damping fluidin the annulus is in pressure communication with the entire dampingfluid system including the fluid reservoir 911 and rebound side 1310,the communication of gas pressure in the fluid reservoir 911 to thefluid pressure in the isolated suspension location 918 (through theouter flexible tube 928) increases the ambient damping fluid pressure tothat of the gas pressure of the isolated suspension location 918. Asdescribed herein, the ambient pressure influences the damping forceexerted by the boost valve or valves included within the fork (valveouter and valve inner). As the fork compresses during a compressionstroke, the volume of damping fluid displaced by the piston rod (of FIG.7) acts to further increase the ambient damping fluid pressure in thesystem by compressing the gas in the isolated suspension location 918 byan amount corresponding to the piston rod 986 introduced into thecompression chamber 966 and rebound side 1310.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 15, during compression of the fork, thepiston shaft 1306 progresses into the fluid reservoir 911 and thecompression chamber 966. As it does so, it must, because the fluidreservoir 911 and the compression chamber 966 is of a fixed volume,displace a volume of fluid (typically “incompressible” damping liquidsuch as hydraulic oil corresponding to the volume of the shaft as itenters the chamber). The displacement of damping fluid from the fluidreservoir 911 and rebound side 1310 affords an additional dampingfeature.

The displaced fluid flows from the fluid reservoir 911 into compressionchamber 966. From there, it continues into the throat body 1540 to theorifice. When the damping fluid pressure at the orifice 1538 issufficient to overcome the meter valve preload spring 1516, the dampingfluid flows through the orifice 1538 and along the flow paths 1528(through a plurality of apertures 1508 disposed circumferentially aboutthe throat body 1540) into a plurality of orifices 1520.

The plurality of orifices 1520 are obstructed by the valve outer. Thevalve outer is nested with the valve inner and an annular fluid chamber1506 is formed between the valve outer and the valve inner. In oneembodiment, the annular fluid chamber 1506 is filled by gas atatmospheric pressure. When the “ambient” pressure of the damping fluidis greater than atmospheric, it acts to force the outer valve upwardlyand the inner valve downwardly. In other words, the outer valve and theinner valve tend to become more tightly “nested”. That in turn forcesthe outer valve against the plurality of orifices 1520. The greater thedifferential pressure between the damping fluid and the annular fluidchamber 1506, the greater the force will be that is exerted by the valveouter against the plurality of orifices 1520. That in turn will increaseresistance to the damping fluid flow through the plurality of orifices1520 toward the flow path 1534 and will thereby increase the compressivedamping force of the fork. Damping fluid flowing through the flow paths1534 then flows into the annular bladder interior 1532 where itspressure may be affect by gas pressure in the chamber.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the presenttechnology, other and further embodiments of the present technology maybe implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, andthe scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

What we claim is:
 1. A suspension system comprising: a first suspensionmember movable relative to a second suspension member; a fluid reservoirhaving a volume, said volume variable in response to a relative movementbetween said first and second suspension members; and a fluid flowcircuit having a first end in fluidic communication with said fluidreservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolatedsuspension location, said fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, asecond valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves arein parallel and said second valve is in series with each of said firstand third valves, wherein said isolated suspension location comprises:an inlet in fluidic communication with said second end of said fluidflow circuit; an end barrier; and an annular enclosing wall defining aninterior fluid pressure cavity between said inlet and said end barrier,said annular enclosing wall comprising: an inner surface and an outersurface, wherein said inner surface of said annular enclosing wallcomprises an outer surface of a cylinder, and wherein said outer surfaceof said annular enclosing wall comprises a flexible tubing.
 2. Thesuspension system of claim 1, wherein said isolated suspension locationfurther comprises: a first compression region configured for sealinglycompressing a first end of said flexible tubing against a first end ofsaid outer surface of said cylinder; and a second compression regioncomprising said inlet and configured for retainably compressing a secondend of said flexible tubing against a second end of said outer surfaceof said cylinder.
 3. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein saidflexible tubing comprises extruded tube stock.
 4. The suspension systemclaim 1, wherein said flexible tubing comprises pulltruded tube stock.5. The suspension system of claim 2, wherein said first compressionregion comprises: a portion of said first end of said flexible tubing;and a first seal ring configured for said sealingly compressing saidportion of said first end of said flexible tubing against said first endof said outer surface of said cylinder, such that said first end of saidflexible tubing and said first end of said outer surface of saidcylinder are sealingly squeezed shut.
 6. The suspension system of claim5, wherein said portion of said first end of said flexible tubingcomprises an upset.
 7. The suspension system of claim 2, wherein saidsecond compression region comprises: a portion of said second end ofsaid flexible tubing; and a seal ring configured for retainablycompressing said portion of said second end of said flexible tubingagainst said second end of said outer surface of said cylinder, suchthat said second end of said flexible tubing and said second end of saidouter surface of said cylinder are squeezed partially together to retaina first position while remaining open to a damping fluid flowing betweensaid fluid flow circuit and said isolated suspension location.
 8. Thesuspension system of claim 7, wherein said portion of said second end ofsaid flexible tubing comprises an upset.
 9. The suspension system ofclaim 1, wherein one of said first and second suspension members is anupper tube of a leg of a fork, and the other of said one of said firstand second suspension members is a lower tube of said leg of said fork,and wherein said lower tube is configured for telescopically receivingsaid upper tube and is axially slidable relative thereto.
 10. Thesuspension system of claim 1, further comprising: a knob assemblyselectively rotatable, said knob assembly comprising: a damping valveadjustment knob configured for being rotated; and a damping valveadjustment shaft configured for responding to rotational movement ofsaid damping adjustment knob, said responding comprising moving axiallyin proportion to a thread helix and pushing or pulling on an adjustmentshaft that is coupled with a needle valve, thereby adjusting aninterference of said needle valve within a damping orifice that extendsthrough a center of a damping piston, wherein during compression orextension of said suspension system said damping piston controls a flowof a damping fluid.
 11. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein saidsecond valve comprises: a flow regulator configured for controlling adamping rate by providing resistance to damping fluid flowing therethrough, wherein a resistance provided by said flow regulator against adamping fluid is adjustable.
 12. The suspension system of claim 11,wherein said damping rate is controlled during a flow of said dampingfluid towards said isolated suspension location.
 13. The suspensionsystem of claim 1, wherein said damping rate is controlled during arebound flow of said damping fluid away from said isolated suspensionlocation.
 14. The suspension system of claim 1, wherein said third valveis a boost valve configured for providing increasing resistance tocompression as a piston rod progresses deeper into said fluid reservoir.15. The suspension system of claim 14, wherein a volume exterior to saidisolated suspension location is pressurized with gas above atmosphericpressure for increasing an ability of said boost valve to resist saidcompression.
 16. A method for unlocking a suspension, said methodcomprising: loading a suspension in compression; opening at least one ofa blow-off valve and a terrain sensitive damper valve; flowing a dampingfluid through at least one of said blow-off valve and said terrainsensitive damping valve; and delivering said damping fluid, via a flowregulator, to a predetermined location of said suspension, saidpredetermined location being an isolated suspension location and beingfluidly isolated from gas, wherein said isolated suspension locationcomprises: an inlet in fluidic communication with a second end of afluid flow circuit; an end barrier; and an annular enclosing walldefining an interior fluid pressure cavity between said inlet and saidend barrier, said annular enclosing wall comprising: an inner surfaceand an outer surface, wherein said inner surface of said annularenclosing wall comprises an outer surface of a cylinder, and whereinsaid outer surface of said annular enclosing wall comprises a flexibletubing.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said opening at least one ofa blow-off valve and a terrain sensitive damper valve comprises: openingsaid at least one of a blow-off valve and a damping valve when apredetermined threshold damping fluid pressure is exceeded.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising: adjusting said predeterminedthreshold damping fluid pressure imparted upon said at least one of ablow-off valve and said terrain sensitive damper valve via an pressurethreshold adjustment knob.
 19. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: delaying said damping valve from returning to a closedposition for a predetermined period of time.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising: setting said predetermined period of time via adelay adjustment knob.
 21. A damping suspension valve assemblycomprising: a fluid flow circuit comprising a first end in fluidiccommunication with a fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidiccommunication with an isolated suspension location, said fluid reservoirreceiving therein a variable volume, and said isolated suspensionlocation receiving a damping fluid from said fluid flow circuit inresponse to said variable volume; a first valve positioned along saidfluid flow circuit, said first valve comprising a compression chamberthere within and configured for opening and closing in response to avariable pressure imparted on said first valve by said damping fluid,wherein said compression chamber is in fluidic communication with bothsaid isolated suspension location and said fluid reservoir when saidfirst valve is open, and said compression chamber is in fluidiccommunication with said fluid reservoir when said first valve is closed;a second valve comprising an upper surface coupled with said isolatedsuspension location and a lower surface coupled with said first valvevia said fluid flow circuit, said second valve configured for providingresistance to said damping fluid flowing along said fluid flow circuit;and a third valve in fluidic communication with said first and secondvalve, said third valve configured for pushing said damping fluidtowards said isolated suspension location in response to a pressureimparted on said second valve during compression of said dampingsuspension that is equal to or greater than an operator-selectablethreshold pressure when said first valve is in a substantiallyinhibiting movement position, wherein said isolated suspension locationcomprises: an inlet in fluidic communication with said second end ofsaid fluid flow circuit; an end barrier; and an annular enclosing walldefining an interior fluid pressure cavity between said inlet and saidend barrier, said annular enclosing wall comprising: an inner surfaceand an outer surface, wherein said inner surface of said annularenclosing wall comprises an outer surface of a cylinder, and whereinsaid outer surface of said annular enclosing wall comprises a flexibletubing.
 22. The damping suspension valve assembly of claim 21, whereinsaid annular enclosing wall further comprises: a first compressionregion configured for sealingly compressing a first end of said flexibletubing against a first end of said outer surface of said cylinder; and asecond compression region comprising said inlet and configured forretainably compressing a second end of said flexible tubing against asecond end of said outer surface of said cylinder.
 23. The dampingsuspension valve assembly of claim 21, wherein said second valve is aflow regulator, wherein a first portion of said fluid flow circuitmoving there through is in series with a second portion of said fluidflow circuit moving through said first valve.
 24. The damping suspensionvalve assembly of claim 21, wherein said third valve is a blow-offvalve.